Ontario projects $2.6 billion more in pandemic spending since fall budget

Ontarioexpects to spend an additional $2.6 billion tofight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province says that brings its one-time pandemic spending to$13.3 billion.

The funds were provided to the province from the federal government andOntariosays they have now all been allocated.

In its third quarter financial report released Wednesday, theprovince says the additional $2.6 billion will go towardcreating a previously announced grant program for small business, and to support hospitals and long-term care homes.

Ontario's projected deficit remains at $38.5 billion, unchangedsince the 2020 budget was released in November.

The province says it has set aside a $3.9 billion contingency fund up by an additional $2.1 billion to address any further spending needs from the pandemic for the rest of the fiscal year.